Instagram, one of Turkey’s most popular social media platforms, was blocked by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) with a decision dated 02/08/2024 and numbered 490.05.01.2024.-608903. This decision surprised many users and had a wide impact on social media. Apart from the information on BTK’s official website, the reasons for the access ban have not yet been shared with the public. However, thanks to CNBC-e’s report, the reason for the access ban has become clear.
According to information obtained by CNBC-e, the BTK Presidency used its authority to block access to Instagram. This decision was made due to the restrictions imposed on posts made after Palestine and the Ismail Haniyeh assassination. In case of ex officio closure decisions, a court decision must be obtained within 24-48 hours. BTK sources told CNBC-e, “The court decision is expected to be received today.”
When we checked while preparing the news for publication, we saw that the instagram.com website could not be accessed. The mobile application was also working very slowly, and when we refreshed the feed, we noticed that only one piece of content was loaded and the stories were not refreshed.
Instagram’s sudden closure directly affected millions of users in Turkey. Many users reacted on social media, expressing curiosity about the reasons for this decision. Content producers and influencers in particular have begun discussing the possibility of turning to alternative platforms, stating that they will have difficulty running their businesses. Users are intensively discussing this issue on other social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
With the closure of Instagram, users have started to turn to alternative social media platforms. Platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and X in particular are attracting the attention of users in Turkey. In addition, local social media platforms and messaging applications may also experience an increase in the number of users during this process. We can expect the decision to block access to have significant effects on the digital marketing and advertising sector.
BTK’s decision to block access to Instagram creates uncertainty about the platform’s future. Users and industry experts are waiting for information on whether this situation will be temporary or permanent. How Instagram will react to this decision and when the access ban will end are matters of curiosity. Users are closely following the developments and waiting for BTK’s statements.
Update: The news has been updated as the reason for the closure has been revealed.